There are only a couple months left in 2021 and everyone is starting to plan their vacations for 2022. Borders are continuing to reopen and more destinations are gearing up to welcome travellers back once the calendar flips over to 2022.
So where is everyone going? While few people would ever likely admit that they’re swayed by the crowds, people like to know what the latest trends are and make their decisions based on them. So we’re here to let you know which destinations are most popular for vacations into 2022.
We also want to remind you that you don’t want to wait to book your vacation! Demand is nearing an all-time high and many hotel rooms, flights, and tours are already booked for early 2022. If you want to see the world at your earliest convenience come the new year, don’t put off the booking process. Your initial inquiry email is the first step in the process that will lead you from behind your computer to stepping off the plane into a foreign land. So don’t delay in getting in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.
Now, without further ado, let’s discuss the hottest destinations for travel in the near future.
What are the top 10 trending destinations for 2022?
1. Greece
Greece is always popular with North American travellers, especially the Greek Islands, which are the postcard image of sunny environments with sandy beaches and historical treasures. You aren’t limited by accommodation or travel style in the Greek Islands. You can island-hop, stay on a cruise vessel, or book a private yacht to see them in swank luxury. If you want to visit Greece in 2022, you should book early, as there is always a high demand for accommodations and tours in the nation. This is especially true due to the increased demand after all the restrictions on travel the past two summers. So book early and save your spot on a sunny getaway to one of the hottest destinations (both literally and figuratively) in the world.
2. Italy
An Italian vacation never grows old. The country boasts an enviable blend of great food, fascinating history, and stunning natural environments. It’s easy to get around by car or train. Our Signature packages are particularly popular in Italy, as they take travellers to favourite cities such as Florence and Rome and let them go behind the scenes of the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum. Italy is always busy in the high season, so the sooner you book the better. Also, think about booking a private guide and skipping the lines at the popular museums and attractions. It’s a way to make an Italian vacation even more enjoyable.
3. The Islands of Tahiti
After the past year and a half, people deserve to spoil themselves. We can see they’re planning to do just that with an increased demand on vacations to The Island of Tahiti, which include Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha’a, and, of course, Tahiti. Travellers can relax at stunning resorts throughout the islands and unplug from the stresses of the modern world. South Pacific paradises don’t get any better.
4. The Maldives
Like The Islands of Tahiti, the Maldives rewards those travellers that want to unwind in the lap of luxury. This nation in the Indian Ocean has been very popular over the past year and a half and that fact isn’t going to change moving into 2022. Travellers can enjoy all-inclusive resort experiences on private islands, stay in overwater bungalows with direct access to the warm waters, and do some activities they cannot do anywhere else, like dine in an underwater restaurant and snorkel alongside whale sharks and manta rays. The Maldives also pair nicely with a stopover in Paris or Dubai, combining city and beach in stunning ways.
5. Dubai
For the next six months, Dubai is going to be the hottest place on the planet—and we’re not talking about the weather. That’s because of the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is running from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Expo promises to be the event of a lifetime. It showcases pavilions from 190 countries and daily events and activities that demonstrate technological innovations and cultural traditions from around the world. We’re making it easy to see Expo 2020 Dubai during its run by offering free stopovers to Dubai on select vacations through Africa and Asia, including several on this list, such as Thailand or the Maldives. Take advantage of a stopover and see the greatest show on earth.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a natural paradise. The country combines many of the hallmarks of a relaxing vacation: beautiful natural environments to explore, sunny beaches with pristine resorts, and a friendly local culture. Travellers are taking advantage of Costa Rica’s open borders and relaxed protocols to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, capture that postcard-perfect image of Arenal Volcano, visit the sloth sanctuary in Limon, and relax on the beaches of Manuel Antonio. It’s close to Canada and the United States, and in the same time zone, making it all the more convenient as an exciting getaway close to home.
7. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has always been popular and 2022 is seeing that trend hold steady. It’s easy to see why people want to explore England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There is a lot of history to explore in the likes of London and Edinburgh, the pastoral landscape makes for great photos, and the famous landmarks like Big Ben and Stonehenge are fascinating to see at all times of year. Families are also planning UK vacations which cater to the interests of all ages of travellers. These include the famous A World of Wizardry tour in London, which takes travellers to the locations from the Harry Potter movies, as well as journeys to the Lake District to explore the world of Peter Rabbit and the north of Scotland to maybe spot Nessie at Loch Ness.
8. Iceland
Few countries are more popular for travellers who want to rent a car and explore on their own than Iceland. The Ring Road offers a natural circuit of the nation’s fabulous natural landmarks, including active volcanoes, massive glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and rejuvenative hot springs. It’s a short flight to Reykjavik and easy to drive around and follow your fancy. You can soak in geothermal baths, hike to glaciers and drop waterfalls, and explore old lava tubes. Iceland offers travellers the chance to reconnect with nature at its most primordial. It’s also home to fascinating historical sites from Viking times, so it’s not just the natural landscape that draws in travellers.
9. Thailand
Thailand remains a popular fixture for 2022 travel plans. It’s a great spot for affordable luxury, allowing travellers to upgrade their accommodations and touring options without breaking the bank. It’s also ideal for wellness retreats, which offer detox and fitness programs aimed at rejuvenating travellers after the past 18 months. And with the relaxing of border restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers from select countries planned for November 1, 2021, it’ll be easier than ever to explore the nation’s blend of great food, cultural landmarks, and sunny beaches.
10. Australia
Australia is the big kahuna of destinations that are not currently open, but expected to begin welcoming travellers back in the near future. The state of New South Wales will start welcoming fully-vaccinated Australians living abroad back into the country starting November 1, 2021. Considering that the nation closed its borders in early 2020, that’ll mean it’ll have been almost two whole years since travellers were able to explore Australia’s massive expanses of natural highlights and great cosmopolitan cities. Travellers are champing at the bit to once again snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef, explore the red sands and rocks of the Outback, cuddle a koala, and spot kangaroos bounding through the bush. Once it opens, it’s sure to become the hottest destination on the planet, so travellers are planning ahead and making sure they guarantee their spot at the welcome back party. Make sure you’re not left behind. Start planning today.
Editor's note: This article was updated on October 25, 2021.
18 Oct 2021, 6:34 p.m.
